Issuu

December 2019

Our crocodiles are the second largest remaining reptile in the world

The life of the yellow-billed stork is in constant migration

Ashley protects the green paradise in a new short story

Samira Fadel seeks to create an Emirati association of specialized libraries in the country

A free space for the wonders of light and lens, that we leave up to the visitors’ and webpage surfers’ creativity. Share your picture with us, and let it speak for you.

Please send the photographs to zoolife@alainzoo.ae

Our visitor seems to have realized that the king of the jungle in Al Ain Zoo does not care about his lens when it comes to his family. He is not as cruel as we think, he takes care of his cubs without using his full force.

By: Amir Arfianto

Abu Dhabi

7 - 20 DECEMBER

Powerboat Race 2019

Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club

9 - 11 DECEMBER

Gahwa Championships 2019

ADNEC

11 DECEMBER

Al Hosn Festival: Freek and Khawater Al Dhalam Cultural Foundation

12 - 19 DECEMBER

Al Hosn Festival

Al Hosn

UNTIL FEBRUARY 2020

Sheikh Zayed Festival Al Wathba

UNTIL 15 FEBRUARY 2020

Al Ain Zoo Photography Award [Zoography]

Al Ain Zoo

UNTIL 31 DECEMBER

Al Qattara Arts Centre Events

Al Qattara Arts

14 DECEMBER

'Travel Through Our Traditions' Tour

Al Ain Museum

22 - 26 DECEMBER

Zayed Winter Camp

Al Ain Palace Museum

UNTIL 25 MAY 2020

Al Ain Oasis Cultural Programmes

Al Ain Oasis

Internal Audit Department

The mission of the Internal Audit is to provide independent, objective assurance and consulting services designed to assist ZAPIA in achieving its objectives by striving to provide a positive impact on the effectiveness of their daily operations.

Internal Audit helps ZAPIA accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, internal controls, and governance processes.

Internal Audit reports functionally to ZAPIA’s Audit Committee, which is composed of three members from the board of directors and one member from Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority.

Among the key activities of the Internal Audit Department is the preparation of its Annual Internal Audit Plan and its execution throughout the year. The said plan is developed based on the results of a Risk Assessment Exercise wherein auditable areas as identified, assessed and prioritized based on their respective criticality.

Internal Audit Department currently has three staff, one Senior Internal Audit, and two Senior Officer Internal Audit. The department is also supported by a Co-Source partner which assists in executing the Annual Audit Plan.

The green paradise

Written by: Kavyaa Parmar

Third winner of story for 11-14 years old category

How wonderful it would be if the view outside your window would just change. Instead of portraying the hasty city life, it would take you to the green paradise of your dreams. All the fuzzy noises you hear of the car horns carrying ‘running late’ drivers, the beep –beep from the local buses and the unpleasant whistling from the traffic police, all of these unwanted sounds would change into beautiful chirping of birds and fierce yet calming wind which carries the aroma of magnificent nature.

There will be no paved roads, but green covered lands. No cars or buses will be there to annoy your perfect morning. You can drink your coffee made from freshly brewed beans in the lazy morning. Everyone wishes to get back Mother Nature, but there are only some that make it come true. Everyone has his or her own duties and their own responsibilities, either as a citizen or as a human being, which they have to follow.

The very first responsibility of a human being is to protect the dear nature. You cannot blame anyone because everyone needs to save the environment together.

Here is a short story that will enhance upon how you see nature. Ashley was extremely excited to go to school tomorrow; after all, she was having her field trip to a green land in her town. It was a picnic spot, which would be amazing to take the students to, as they will understand the importance of nature, hence their school, had decided to take them. Yes, Ashley was finally going to view beautiful nature and so she could not wait to be there.

She had already started to imagine all the wonders of life she was going to view. Time fled and morning came, it was finally the day of Ashley’s field trip! She boarded her school bus and she just could not wait to reach school. After reaching there, all the students had to attend a general assembly and then board the bus to go to the mountains.

They attended the assembly, which gave the students information about their trip, and the

teachers told them the rules that they had to follow. Ashley’s heart was beating faster than ever because she had finally boarded the bus which will lead her to the green paradise.

In the ride, Ashley’s eyes were stuck on the window. The way had greenery that made it peaceful to look at. The bus took an abrupt stop.

Yes! They had just reached there. Ashley was the first to get down the bus. She could feel herself in a green and uncontaminated land.

She felt the fresh essence of the wet grass. The cold breeze and the calm atmosphere just surrounded her. The picnic spot was divided into two, the fresh green side and the industrial side. The industrial or the deforesting land was where people came to cut down trees. Ashley saw the tress cutting from a distance. She could not bear it. She had to put an end in the deforesting. The trip went great but Ashley’s mind was still stuck on doing something to save the green land.

The following day when Ashley went home, she told her parents about the disturbing thing she saw. Her parents worried about what was happening and she genuinely wanted to save the earth. Hence, the next day when she went to school, she told her friends about it and after cracking their heads, they finally thought of an idea that would surely help save that place.

The weekend was coming up and the group of friends had decided to make posters stating ‘save the earth’, ‘stop deforestation’ and other convincing slogans. During the weekend, Ashley’s parents took her and her friends to their field trip spot and they put up the posters.

They would cutters saw all the hustle in putting up the posers, they enquired Ashley about what was going on. Ashley explained to them about what they were doing with her fingers crossed hoping that they would understand her.

After taking a closer glance at the posters, the woodcutters were heart-touched by the little girl’s intention. They could not deny to her hence they also took a step forward and talked to the government. They tried their best to convince all the people in the department. In fact, they looked convinced but they told that they would look into this matter.

A few days passed by but no results. Then one evening, Ashley was lying lazily around in her room thinking about what would happen. Then suddenly, she heard her father calling her. When Ashley came in, she saw all the posters she and her friends made being shown in the TV. Ashley’s hard work had shown its positive results; there was news being told that the government had finally took the step to save the green land. They also told that anyone who will destroy the place or cause any kind of harm to that place would be punished.

Ashley could not believe it! She had finally saved that green paradise. Ashley felt that she had finally succeeded in something in her life. The next day when Ashley went to school, everyone praised her. Then suddenly, they were told to go the assembly hall. In the assembly, Ashley was called up to the stage and awarded for her great initiative for saving the environment. She signed off with an inspiring speech which made everyone realized the importance of nature.

Similarly, everyone has a potential like Ashley. Everyone is responsible for what is happening and what happened to the earth’s nature.

Everyone will still be responsible for what is going to happen. Even you can bring change. Nature is an extraordinary gift; once it’s gone, it will be next to impossible to bring it back. If you do something good today, then only it will become better.

Take a step; take an initiative to work harder for saving the nature.

Arabian Epic Race

Flag Day at Al Ain Zoo

The Crocodile Underwater Exhibit

Hippo & Crocodile Underwater Exhibit

The first-of-its-kind underwater exhibition in Al Ain Zoo hosts the Nile Crocodile, the world’s secondlargest reptile, native to the central, eastern, and southern regions of Africa.

These reptiles are able to enjoy their natural landscaped habitat in a 245-cubic meter (64.000-gallon) aquatic exhibit. These crocodiles can often be seen basking in the sun in their favourite spot next to the water.

The Zoo offers these large reptiles a five-star service to ensure they receive the highest level of animal welfare.

Visitors can learn more about the Nile Crocodile by visiting the Underwater Exhibit and enjoying stories and tales about the reptiles on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Yellow-Billed Stork

This bird belongs to the Family of Ciconiidae and is listed on the Agreement on the Conservation of African- Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA). Gaining its name because of its thick yellow beak, the Yellow-Billed Stork is a semi-migratory species as it frequently changes its habitat in the search for food.

Habitat

The Yellow-Billed Stork is native to Africa and prefers lagoons/ shallow lakes, coastal lakes, and mudflats.

Characteristics

The Yellow-Billed Stork is a medium-sized bird with white feathers, black tail and wings, vermilion legs, and red face. It is hard to differentiate between the sexes as males and females are both similar in appearance. The bird stands about 97cm tall, with males weighing an average of 2.3 kg and females weighing approximately 1.9 km.

Diet

A carnivore, the bird dives into the water in search of frogs, small fish, aquatic insects, worms, crustaceans, small mammals and small birds.

Group

During the breeding season, it mates in large colonies in groups with up to 1,000 individuals. It builds its nests either in high trees on dry land away from predators, or in small trees over water.

Lifecycle

The expected lifespan of the Yellow-Billed Stork is about 19 years in captivity.

INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR TOLERANCE

The first of its kind in the Arab World, The International Institute for Tolerance (IIT) provides advice and expertise in policies that consolidate and promote the values of tolerance among peoples.

The IIT was launched by the United Arab Emirates in 2017 with the objectives of spreading the spirit of tolerance in society, enhancing the country’s prestigious regional and international position as a model of tolerance, consolidating a culture of openness and civilizational dialogue, unlearning intolerance, extremism, intellectual isolation, and all manifestations of discrimination on the grounds of race, colour and religious beliefs.

The establishment of the IIT included the launching of the “Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Tolerance Award” that aims to honour groups and entities that have made significant contributions to the promotion of the values of tolerance at both national and international levels. The award also encourages interfaith dialogue to highlight the true image of Islam as a religion of tolerance and peace.

The Institute works on creating and qualifying young Arab leaders and cadres who believe in the values of tolerance, openness, and dialogue between religions and cultures.

Furthermore, the IIT also proposes policies and legislation, holds international conferences, conducts research, engages in partnerships with relevant cultural institutions around the world to promote the principles of harmony and the values of tolerance among generations, devises initiatives with the aim of promoting coexistence, and creates an environment that stimulates cultural and social harmony.

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My face when ............ Finish the sentence friends! #AlAinZoo 204 likes

Raising awareness of nature conservation issues

Raising awareness and promoting education about negative behavior towards the environment is integral to nature conservation. To encourage positive behavior, the Conservation Section of Al Ain Zoo works with other departments on raising awareness, as well as educating staff and visitors.

The awareness-raising process involves a range of activities, including:

1- Sending a periodic newsletter covering nature conservation issues to all staff.

2- Organizing public and staff competitions.

3- Providing Conservation content to support the activities of other departments.

4- Deliver awareness and educational sessions for staff and public.

5- Organizing lectures in cooperation with the Zoo’s partners.

6- Providing information and suggestions for the Zoo’s events.

7- Organize educational activities and field visits for the zoo staff.

8- Plan, organize and host public awareness campaigns and events such as conservation festival.

9- Staff exchange program with Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya.

10- Share important results of conservation research projects through different internal and external media channels.

Samira Fadel Saif

“Refraining from reading is a challenge we face, and we have to turn to e-reading in order to create an educated and conscious generation”

Mornings would not have been as sweet without her beautiful voice reciting the Quran on the school radio, her friends could not have furnished or designed their homes without her high-level advice. As for her, she only loves well-made handicrafts, and has her own techniques in making furniture with her hands and making the most delicious recipes.

She mastered short reads to feed her passion for knowledge and education, read about comparative religion, health, biographies, and all topics that drive her to analyse, compare and link. Accordingly, she gained peace, control of her feelings, and the ability to conduct a constructive dialogue.

She strongly admonishes those who believe that librarianship is a secretarial job and believes that librarians are the ambassadors of culture and knowledge and loyal guardians of the written word.

In this issue, we interview our colleague, Samira Fadel Saif, who joined the Research Centre at the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre in 2014 after receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in 1997 and a Master's Degree in Information and Library Management from the American University in the UAE.

You joined the Zoo five years ago. Where have you worked previously?

“After my graduation, I was employed at as a librarian at the United Arab Emirates University until 2006, when I quit to have more time for my children. I returned to librarianship in 2010 when I joined the Zayed House for Islamic Culture. At that time, the house did not have a library in a real sense, so, I established a library with full facilities and programmes within four years.”.

You started working at the Zoo in 2014, while the Centre was opened in 2016. In which department did you work during those two years?

“I joined the Centre during its creation. I mean everything, including shelves, furniture, systems, indexing, programming, and receiving book shipments from the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency under a -10 year loan agreement. We started with 2,000 books from the Zoo, and now we have thousands of books. Later we established actions and policies and began the promotion phase and delivering services.

“Our efforts have produced one of the biggest environmental libraries in the United Arab Emirates, equipped with the highest internationally recognised standards in the areas of indexing and libraries in terms of the building, paper, and electronic sources, and specialised and trained staff. Now, we have more than 11,000 paper sources, in addition to important databases that provide millions of updated electronic sources, supporting cultural mobility and knowledge formation in the field of environment and conservation of nature and wildlife.”

Can

you tell us more about the promotion phase and your initiatives?

“I have done everything possible to highlight this cultural achievement, whether for employees or visitors interested in the field of environment and wildlife conservation. One of the proposed initiatives was to read a book and promote it via social media. There were other initiatives like ‘Reader of The Month’ and the ‘Environmental Reading Forum, which is held every year in conjunction with Reading Month, the ‘Read and Share’ initiative, and the ‘Mini Library’ initiative.”

What

is the job description of the librarian?

“A librarian has several roles, we are called the ‘oneman employee’ because of our multiple skills. We are technicians, indexers, programmers, customer service representatives, a source of reference for librarygoers, promoters of the library, lecturers, teachers, and risk management specialists. The librarian faces different situations on a daily basis and has to deal with each of them individually. Librarians must also be up to date with technology and scientific research. It’s a job of troubles and precision.”

Your Master’s Degree had a lot of ambition and promising results; can you tell us about them?

“It was the first of its kind in the Arab World. It was about the specialized library in a zoo and included an analytical study of the library of Al Ain Zoo and compared its management, content, and services with international practices. Our library is unique and can serve as a seed for collaboration between zoos libraries and knowledge sharing across the Arab world, as it has a unique range of environmental sciences that outperform its counterparts around the world. But we need to enhance our e-services to make it more popular.”

Why

e-services in particular?

We are facing two cultural challenges. The first one is the reluctance of people to read in general, while the second is technology's domination over our lives. In fact, we have to turn to e-reading strongly in order to create an educated and conscious generation.”

You

seem

to have big cultural plans for the future

“I already have a lot of ideas and projects to highlight the library field, and I am seriously considering establishing an Emirati association for specialised libraries in the country, and an association for the zoological libraries in the Arab World and then the world. I will do my best to make my dreams true.”